FreePCB v0.943 Released

Arguing over what PCB layout program to use is a common form of
entertainment at robot builder get-togethers and new programs are always
fun to try out. According to Open
Collector, a new version of FreePCB is out. FreePCB is Free Software
licensed under the GNU GPL for doing
printed circuit board layout under MS Windows. It supports 1 to 8 copper
layers, board sizes up to 60 x 60 inches, and English or metric units.
It includes a footprint library and it can import PADS-PCB netlists.
Both Gerber (RS274X) and Excellon drill files can be exported. Usually
Free Software packages are targeted at Free Software Operating Systems
such as Linux or BSD, so FreePCB may also give MS Windows users the
interesting experience of having the freedom to study and modify the
source code of a program they use. But, of course, the real question for
many robot builders will be, how well does it work compared to existing
Windows PCB layout programs? If we have any Windows users who want to
try it out, feel free to post a review.

We used a Free Software layout program to design the circuit boards for
the Open Automaton Project. The tool we
used has the rather unimaginative name PCB. See this
page to get an idea of the results (click on the image links).
PCB is also
licensed under the GNU
GPL.